White Board Mafia

I’ve always been a huge fan of tattoos, but I didn’t get my first in 2004. I was instantly bitten by the tattoo bug and couldn’t wait to get my next one. I was working at GameStop at the time and a promotional copy of Grabbed By The Ghoulies arrived in my store. My boss said I could have it since he wasn’t interested in it. I gave it a shot since Rare has an awesome track record and low and behold, I had an awesome new game to play for free. Granted, this game is still a running joke years later, even in Rare’s own games, but I genuinely enjoyed it. Once I saw the Ninja Imp, I knew he’d be inked on me.

Recently, I started playing the game again and was reminded of my idea. I took a very long shot in the dark and sent an email to Rare through their “contact us” link on the their homepage. I stated my intentions and mentioned how hard it is to find a clear picture of the little bugger and asked for a shot of him. On the worst morning I’ve had in a very long time, I received a response. Along with that response, was an attachment. Leigh at Rare sent my request to his artists and, in a nostalgic mood, sent over a high res shot of the Ninja Imp. Shortly after, I was freshly inked with my first video game tattoo and my overall mood greatly improved. I sent them over the shots and have yet to hear back. I imagine it’s because they’re still laughing at the fact that someone got a tattoo of GBTG. He’s not completely healed yet, but he’s 95% of the way there and still looks just like the day I got him done.

I’ve had a story in my head for a few years and for some reason, finally decided to try my hand at writing it out. I have no formal writing experience, so I’m just shooting from the hip. You can find chapter one here and I’ll be adding a way to jump between chapters once I have the second part of the story edited. Feel free to forward any comments over to CG@whiteboardmafia.com.

This past few days have been so incredible, it’s hard to accurately put everything into words. It started on the night before St. Patrick’s day when people started showing up from out of state. Ryno and Ruben arrived at the Philly airport, and I immediately took Ryno to a Super Wawa, and he was like a child in a candy store. Wawa Iced Tea and Tastykakes for days. We went back to JimmyC’s house and made party. A little bit later, we ended up going back in to Philly so Ryno could get a cheesesteak from Pat’s.
The next day, I shot down to AC with Jersey Steph and Jezus316 for the House of Pain/La Coka Nostra show. We got to the venue and met up with Crimson and his lady, and eventually the 516 Squad showed up with JimmyC and Ryno. HoP/LCN put it down and had an amazing show. We gambled for a little bit and then went home because I had to work the next morning.

On Friday, AFChris came in from Toledo and Krazee came in Boston, and I picked them up and took em to Pat’s for they could experience the majesty that is the Philly cheesesteak. Chris could barely believe the joy occurring in his mouth, and I slaughtered a wiz with and cheese fries. We headed back towards Jersey and Chris says about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, “Holy shit, is that Camden? Dude, I want to go there.” I take a slight detour and roll through a few streets in Camden to appease Chris, and drop everyone off at their hotel and head home. Shortly after, Crimson and his girl show up to my house to stay the weekend. We hung out and talked for a while and passed out about 4am.

We woke up the next day and headed out to pick up STLRyan from the airport at about 12:30. We got caught in traffic due to roadwork, but we had to stop next to exit 17, so it was all good. We picked up Ryan and headed over to the Electric Factory for ICP’s Oddball Bonanza. It was an absolutely gorgeous day to be outside. Munky had a spot in line for us, and we hung out until doors. The doors opened at about 4:30ish, half an hour earlier than expected, and we got in with the quickness. I grabbed 2 Oddball shirts, one to wear and one to throw in the bin, and headed to the wrestling ring. Right before the matches started, Jersey Steph showed up with Jezus and Carrie, so I headed to the door to give her a ticket to get in, and headed back to the ring, where Nate was holding it down for me. 2 Tuff Tony had a dope match with Trent Acid full of blood, barbed wire, and dick for dinner. Tony poured a hefty amount of Bacardi Limon down my thirsty gullet and told me how happy he was to be back in Philly. After that match my back started bothering me so I headed upstairs, and my homie Mike took my spot on the barricade.

Mike E Clark’s DJ set was incredible. He hit Bugz on my Nutz and the people that knew it went nutty. I REALLY hope with the upcoming release of ICP: The Old Shit that Juggalos will know more of the older ICP stuff and they’ll do it live. He also played a remix of Skitzofrantic and another of Golden Goldies. I marked pretty hard for GG. Not a lot of Juggalos even know about the Golden Goldies anymore but they were the OG Rydas and did a set at the Riddlebox Release Party in 1995. They’re even thanked in the Riddlebox booklet. Anyway, I really didn’t eat all day so I went to go downstairs to get some food, and ran into 2 Tuff Tony before I hit the stairs. He gave me a giant bear hug and told me to take him over to the rest of his Philly friends. I brought him over to where we were hanging out and many good times were had. We talked about his match and the upcoming tour and let me tell you, I am very hype for this tour. It’s going to be good times. I already have at least 2 dates planned, and we’re going to TRY to pull off both dates up in Woopsta but traffic will likely make us miss all of the show except ICP, and that’s if we’re lucky.

After that, we watched the Nigerian Nightmares roll over the Thomasellis. Literally. Gross. The next match was the 7 foot lady vs jobbers 1, 2, and 4. My memory is a little fuzzy but I believe up next was when Big Blaze ran out and did a surprise set, ending with Escape Artist. Color us excited. He sounded awesome and even with the maggots and al, he looks GREAT! Then Pondo came out and cut an awesome promo about how Nightline showed him how the Insane Clown Posse really influences people. Let me tell you, Pondo is one of the greatest heels in wrestling. Corp came out and laid the smack down with some light tubes and got the d over Pondo. Up next, the wicked clowns.

ICP took the stage and I headed down to the floor and made my way to the front. The easiest way for me to do this is see STL standing tall above the crowd and just head for him. I eventually battle my way through one of the roughest crowds I’ve had to deal with in a long time, and make it to the barricade. Already waiting for me are AJ, Spinz, Ruben, Ryan, and StephTL. Shortly after, AFChris arrives with ShaggyAndrew, and Rob Dancer appears behind them. He probably ripped someone off for their spot. Basically, ICP put it down. Incredible setlist. Southwest Strangla, What Is A Juggalo, and more. I may have even liked the set more than the Bang Pow Boom set. After the show, everyone met back up in the parking lot for a giant Goon Squad picture. We dropped off AF at his hotel and we headed back to my place to shower. Once I’d washed off the Faygo Rain, Crimson and his lady and I headed back over to JimmyC’s. We crammed ourselves in and hung out for the rest of the night. Sadly, there wasn’t enough space for everyone there. We headed home and got back to my place around 5am. We would have left earlier but Jelly and Andy D had us crying.

I woke up Sunday and saw off Crimson and lady. I was sad to see them go, but we’ll be meeting up again. I headed out and picked up AF and Ruben, and drove them all around Philly, including the infamous South St. We got some pizza from Lorenzo’s and walked up and down South. We caught some other sights in Philly and headed back to JimmyC’s, where beer pong and flipcup were already in session. Flip, flip, flipadelphia. I hung out for a while, and then headed over to the Quality Inn where my man Krazee was holding it down in D Block. I hung out with him and his girl for a while and we discussed plans for the Happy Daze tour in Woopsta. I headed home around 1ish, and ended an absolutely incredible week. There were so many details I can’t even fit in here, but this weekend had something for everyone and I didn’t have any drama, so that’s always a win. Up next, the Happy Daze tour featuring Necro, Kittie, Coolio, Kottonmouth Kings, and the one and only Insane Clown Posse. A little tidbit of info, there is a reason some of the shows are outside, you can’t fit a wrestling ring in some of the normal venues they play! Boomaga and I will be at PAX East this weekend in Boston so come on out and say hi! I’m mainly looking forward to boozing it up and hopefully getting to talk to the Red vs Blue guys again, I haven’t talked to them in person since 04, and I’m going to bring up my Drunk Gamers mug to be signed. I’m not even really a mark and I really don’t even like getting autographs, but I think this might be something cool to have since Geoff sent it to me a few years ago. Anyways, look us up out there, I’m sure I’ll be hanging out in Pictochat throughout the weekend and updating my twitter @counterfeitgod.

2009 was a hell of a year, that’s for sure. We saw the release of many albums that will be enjoyed for years to come, and a perfect mood setter for the Halloween season finally saw a release. Wrestlemania 25 went down in Houston, and 3/4 of the White Board Mafia was there to witness it live and in person. A few decent movies were released in theaters, but nothing I went absolutely batshit over. I got to see some incredible live acts as well. Here is a condensed list of my favorite points of 2009.

cKy – Carver City
I’ve been a fan of cKy since 01/02 when I got turned on to the DVDs in high school and I’ve followed them through their career and I can honestly say that no one sound like cKy, they’re simply in a league of their own. This is easily my favorite album from the group, and I highly suggest you scoop it up.

P.O.S. – Never Better
The Junior album from that lovable piece of shit from Minnesota, this album is topping a lot of “Best of 09″ lists. I love this album from front to back, I’m just disappointed I still haven’t seen him live yet.

Mastodon – Crack The Skye
If you take mind altering substances, this is the album for you. A concept album that follows a rollercoaster of a story that you’ll agree is one of the most inventive things you’ve ever heard. Mix that with a solidly written album, and you have a recipe for success.

Insane Clown Posse – Bang Pow Boom
This album was highly touted as the “Return of the Dark Carnival”. Every act has billed their newest album as the darkest, or sounds like the old stuff, or whatever the fans want to hear. The difference is, the wicked clowns got it right. This album brings be back to when I got into ICP around 97, and the live show was brought back in full force as well. 5 dates on the tour including the Hallowicked stop in Detroit on 10/31, and I could have easily done another 5.

Twiztid – W.I.C.K.E.D.
Personally, I think this is Twiztid’s best album since the Mostasteless album(s) dropped. The album flows so well and every track is a banger. There must be something in the water in Detroit Murderous, because both ICP and Twiztid albums this year were worth their weight in gold.

The only movie I’ll mention is Trick ‘r Treat, because it deserves the most attention, by FAR. Originally attached to the DVD of 300, this movie has had a cult following of people that have never seen it, campaigning for its release. Years passed, but the faithful did not forget. This year, it was finally released to smashing reviews and currently sits at an 86%(As of when I wrote this) on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a very high rating for a movie with no promotion that people have every right to be angry at. It’s an incredibly fun set of Halloween stories that’s perfect to get you in the mood for the best season of the year, the Season of the Pumpkin.

This year, I got to see Nine Inch Nails again. Their performance I saw in Philadelphia with A Perfect Circle on tour for The Fragile has topped my list of shows as the best I’ve ever seen. That was, until August 6, when I finally got to see the Don Dada himself, Ice Cube. As the main act for the opening ceremonies of the 10th annual Gathering of the Juggalos, he followed solid sets by the likes of Paradime and MC Chris, and blew the entire crowd away. Not once did the energy stop. EVERY song was a banger, every song had the crowd moving, and dare I say it, it’s the best live performance I’ve ever seen, Gathering or not.

Wrestlemania 25, oh what a trip you were. I can’t really add on to what’s already been said, without repeating that Undertaker vs Shawn Micheals was the best wrestling match I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Live, taped, it makes no difference. That match blew the roof off the dome and blew every other match that night away. I felt every single emotion during that spectacular display, and couldn’t have been prouder when Undertaker sealed the victory.

All in all, 2009 is one of the best years I’ve had in a long time. I made a lot of good memories with a lot of close friends, got more ink, traveled all over the country, and even picked up some nice stuff along the way. 2010, let’s see if you can compare.

59 is a wonderful number, but 60 is even better. I’ve done up the final list of Psychopathic events I’ve been to, and this year’s New Year’s Evil caps it at 59 total. I’d love to end the list at 60, but what can you do? I’ve already got some Twiztid dates planned for 2010, plus the Insane Clown Posse’s Oddball Extravaganza show in Philly on March 20. One time for one off shows in Philly. I’ve taken on new responsibilities lately as an admin over at Psychopathic Traders, come on by and check us out. We rule. I’m currently caught up in Adidas new Star Wars line. Check em out they’re hot as fuck. I’ll be scooping up a pair or 2 of the X-Wings once they drop and I’ve already picked up 2 of the shirts. I’m not one for Christmas so I’m just looking forward to spending new years with my beautiful girlfriend and the Juggalo family up in Cleveland. Shouts to AF, JimmyC, Andy D, and all those homies. On the video game tip I recently picked up a Genesis 2, OG Gameboy, Neo Geo Pocket Color, and a Osaka Pokemon Center GBA, all boxed, and a new/sealed Famicom syle Game Boy Micro. I’ll probably make a post Christmas update but I dunno. Until next time Mafiosos!

It’s been a long 5 years since Dimebag Darrell was selfishly taken from us by the acts of a madman that should have been institutionalized.  Instead, he was allowed to walk around with the choice to stop taking his medication.  If you talk to the older generations, they’ll say that they can never forget what happened when certain events occurred.  JFK’s assassination is one.  While I’m in no way comparing Dimebag to JFK, it’s a similar situation.  He was important to a very large amount of people and was ripped from us when they still had so much to give to us.  I’ll never forget being in the Stratford Diner and getting multiple text messages and calls, all of them from people turning to me for information, as I am usually the first to get it.  I left the diner, shaken, and drove home, spending the rest of the night online looking for news reports and talking to a very good friend of mine that lives in Dallas.  I never got to meet Dimebag, but I was lucky enough to see Pantera twice, and Damageplan once.  A lot of people have been accused of cashing in on his death, including his own brother.  Personally, I do not think Mr. Vinnie Paul has done anything to cash in on his brother’s memory, only to help find ways for his brother to be remembered.  On the Black Label Society album “Mafia”, Zakk Wylde dedicated the song In This River to Dime.  This song is breathtaking.  The video can still jerk tears out of me to this day.  I’ve gotten to see the song live many times, and it is always a very emotional affair, something very hard to pull off with BLS’ audience.  Now, in 2009, Metal Hammer has released this year’s metal covers album, a tribute to Dime.  I’m usually 40/60 on these albums, but I had extra special hopes for this one.  So far, I’m not disappointed with what I’ve heard from the tracks I’ve expected to like.  My favorite thus far is Zakk’s cover of Suicide Note Part 1. (The link I had here to all the tracks no longer works, try checking Youtube.)  The issue should be on shelves this week.

One of the things that goes with being a nerd w/an internet connection is trading stories and pickups with like minded people across the web. I had a girl I know from www.psychopathictraders.com tell me she went to a store called Play N Trade and picked up a boxed N64, boxed controller, boxed memory card, and Goldeneye for $55. That’s a STEAL. I was immediately infuriated that store isn’t in my area and I’m unable to partake in their delicious pricing. Earlier this week…and by that I mean yesterday, a friend sent me a link to their site and asked if I’d ever been there. After expressing my anger at no, he tells me a store is open in Marlton. How awesome, that’s between work and home for me. Boomaga and I drove by, and it wasn’t open for business yet, so we drove to another possible location in the Cherry Hill mall and there wasn’t even a storefront. I called the number on the site today, and the district manager answered. He told me they should be opening Mon, Tues, or Wed next week and that I should come by and ask for him when I’m in. I definitely plan on driving by the store every day on the way home from work next week and hopefully I can catch a great deal on some boxed systems. Now if only I don’t spend all my money between now and then. Check em out online at http://www.playntrade.com and see if there is a store in your area. I’ll also post an update after we get in the store.

Simply put, Trick ‘R Treat is the best kept secret of this year, or since the trailer was advertised on the packaging for the DVD release of 300.  Anything you can think of that should be in a Halloween movie, Trick ‘r Treat delivers in spades.  I remember seeing the trailer the day 300 dropped on DVD and immediately becoming impatient for this movie’s release.  Finally, the long wait is over, and I have to say, it’s been worth the wait.  From the movie’s opening scene until the climatic finish the movie sucks you in to a thrill packed rollercoaster ride through 4 interwoven stories.  Adapted from a graphic novel, the story follows the night for 4 groups of people and shows how each person’s story affects the next.  While not the center of the story, you’ll see Sam pop up in each story, the masked mystery from the cover of the DVD.   I only wish they’d fleshed out a story for Sam instead of just leaving him as short, stocky, and mysterious.  For Blu Ray fans, I’ve seen Amazon offering a deal with Trick ‘r Treat and Drag Me To Hell, my favorite horror/thriller released in theaters this year, for $51.98 with free shipping, or pick it the book for about $25.  I strongly urge you to check this movie out and please, SPREAD THE WORD.  9/10

They’re not done yet, but the new forums can be located at http://www.whiteboardmafia.com/board

Hola Amigos, I know it’s been awhile since I rapped at ya.  Flat out, the 10th Annual Gathering of the Juggalos was the shit.  I had some shitty happenings, but overall the trip was insane.  The Don Mega himself, Ice Cube, put it down like no one else I’ve ever seen.  Catch him on tour.  Also, a personal favorite of mine, MC Chris, did an incredible job.  He even turned the Juggalos and got some applause.  Hands down, my absolute favorite memory of this year’s GOTJ was Flashlight Wrestling at 5am on Sunday morning.  It was incredibly personal with less than 100 people in attendance and had live commentary by Violent J, Scott Hall, and Corporal Robinson.  I don’t know what set of Jimmy Snuka but he got in Scott Hall’s face and kept asking him if he wants to take it into the ring and they eventually had to get a few handlers to get him backstage.  Big ups to everyone that made the weekend so memorable.

Some other stuff went on recently like a job shift at work that is in my favor, and I’ve set up my own mini tour.  For ICP’s upcoming BANG POW BOOM tour, I’ll be at 5 dates.  You can catch me in Philly on 10/15, Woopsta the 16th and 17th for Rock N Shock, Detroit Murderous for Hallowicked, Sayreville on 12/4, and Allentown on 12/5.  I’ll also be at the Mastodon/Dethklok show on 11/1 in Philly, and possibly 10/29 in NYC but I haven’t decided yet.

Speaking of Bang Pow Boom, the verdict is in.  This album IS the return of the Dark Carnival.  I’ll start off by saying that I’m still a big fan of The Tempest.  There are a lot of solid jams on that album.  That being said, Bang Pow Boom is INCREDIBLE.  They had me at Intro.  The album starts off incredibly strong and doesn’t stop until the Chop Chop Slide flips your wig, then burns it with the force of a nuclear assault.  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

I’ve started using Twitter more since I got the Twitterfon app for my sleek and sexy iPhone, so hit me up @counterfeitgod.  I’ll add some more later, I do fully intend to keep updating the site.